Young Americans are moving more than older generations did at their age, and the states that they are moving to may surprise you.
A December study conducted by Hire A Helper concluded that Gen Z, which is young adults 18 to 26, is the most mobile generation with 17% of them opting to move this year.
According to the study, Texas was the most popular state that took in more than 345,000 new residents throughout 2023. With this being said, West Virginia is the most popular and top state that took in the most residents with their move-in rate jumping 138%.
Four other states sit at the top here too which are Utah, South Carolina, Colorado, and Kansas. While Alabama, Mississippi, and Vermont saw the biggest move-outs from Gen Z.
“Expensive California locations are suddenly less appealing than settling in Colorado or Utah. And job opportunities in small markets like Vermont are not as available as they are elsewhere, like in West Virginia or South Carolina,” Marquit added.
A Hire A Helper spokesperson attributed this increase to the fact that the pandemic is no longer holding back this young generation and now they can move freely.
“Gen Z appears ready to venture out on their own. They seem ready to establish their households and families,” she said. “The evolution of work in recent years, focusing on remote and hybrid arrangements, can allow Gen Z to make decisions based on where they want to live and the lifestyle they prefer.”
According to the studies, California and New York were among the top 10 states that had the most Gen Z move-outs. For example, California saw 415,000 Gen Z move-outs this past year alone.
It seems that many members of Gen Z are heading to top cities like Houston, Texas; New York City; Tampa, Florida; and Jacksonville, Florida.
“It appears that New York City still has appeal to young people, as it has for decades. Gen Z is ready to experiment with and experience life, and they are being drawn to New York City,” Marquit said. “It’s also interesting that they’re drawn to Austin, showing a preference for cities where they can establish themselves and perhaps even surround themselves with found family.”
Gen Z is making big moves across the country and these stats reflect it. With the pandemic mostly over, we can see that some Americans are hungry to start a new life in up-and-coming areas.
